I Messenger 4-29-23

I Messenger

A Personal Tribute By Curtis King

Legacy of Activism

Ruth Wyrick

Harry Belafonte

RUTH WELLS WYRICK

Ruth Laverne Wells Wyrick was a native Texan who traced her heritage in the Lone Star State back more than four generations. She hailed from Waco, Texas, and attended the segregated A. J. Moore High School with her only brother, Roosevelt Wells.

SOUTH DALLAS CLUB HOSTS A MEAN GREEN CELEBRATION

The 85-member South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. hosted its 59th Annual V. Alyce Foster Trailblazer Awards Luncheon on April 22 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Nearly 1,000 guests gathered after a three-year hiatus of virtual Trailblazer celebrations due to COVID-19.

It was a grand evening of honor April 20, 2023 in the Student Union as the University of North Texas Mayborn School of Journalism recognized scholarship recipients and the two-time, national award-winning National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) student chapter, UNT-ABJ.

EVICTED UNJUSTLY? Go to court and take an attorney with you!

By Ayesha Hana Shaji Texas Metro News Team

Attorney Mark Melton, co-founder of the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center (DEAC), said the eviction crisis is brutal and families are suffering in Dallas County.

Speaking at the Dallas Democratic Forum’s Injustice of the Peace: The Complicity of a Broken System in Creating an Eviction Crisis, Melton discussed the eviction crisis in Dallas County and the role of the Justice of the Peace (JP) courts in exacerbating the problem.

“I’ve made some crazy claims about the 80 plus percent error rates of the JP courts, which by the way, is why I really call this speech an injustice of the peace,” he said, introducing the audience to what he considers to be the main problems. “Because justice is a thing that does not often happen in many JP courts.”

According to The Texas Judiciary’s 2021 Annual Statistical Report, after reaching an all-time high in 2019, new landlord/ tenant cases filed in justice courts fell 28 percent in 2020 and another 31 percent in 2021. The number of cases filed in 2021 was the lowest since 2000.

The report attributed the dip to the COVID pandemic. Restrictions were placed on filing eviction cases starting half-way through fiscal year 2020 and rental assistance programs were also introduced during the pandemic to assist renters in paying overdue rent.

However, according to a study by Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL) in 2022, where they looked at eviction cases in Dallas County, through August 2022, 28,845 evictions have been filed in Dallas County, representing a 223% increase over the same time period in 2021 and a 203% increase over the same time period in 2020.

The CPAL study also found that the judge ruled in favor of the landlord in 72% of cases and in favor of the tenant in only 3% of cases.

Melton said the DEAC was an accident, beginning with a viral Facebook post he made about the eviction moratorium. He woke up to tons of messages and comments asking for legal advice and representation.

So he started as a pro bono program operating under the name DallasEvictions2020. In their first year, over 250 lawyers volunteered and more than 6,500 households were assisted. Today,

he said, they were able to serve over 12,000 households.

DEAC has won 97% of its 2,442 cases in 2022, Melton said, adding that these were mostly cases where they would go to justice of the peace courts and randomly ask tenants if they wanted representation.

“No one should win 97% of your cases, especially in an environment where you're not taking your clients,” he said. “I can walk up without knowing this person's name, without knowing their story, without knowing any of their defenses and I can represent them in a

court and win 97% of the time.”

Those evictions have a profound impact on school attendance. 60% of the students who leave in the middle of the school year in Dallas ISD are the results of evictions, Melton said.

Stressing the importance of having legal representation when going to court, Melton said if you don’t show up at court, there is an 84% chance you will be evicted, citing the CPAL study.

“If you do show up though, you only have a 57% chance of getting evicted on that day, which is significantly better,” Melton said. “If you have a lawyer representing you, first of all, you're more likely to show up. Second of all you're almost certainly more likely to win.”

Melton said, according to the study, they found that if someone has a lawyer, there is only a 10% chance of losing the case, which means there is only a 10% chance of getting evicted.

Mark Melton, co-founder of the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center

Ayesha Hana Shaji is a 2022 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, where she was on The Shorthorn staff.

Photo: Ayesha Hana Shaji/ TMN

by Cheryl Smith Publisher

Thanks Dr. Haynes

This weekend, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III will be honored at the celebration of his 40th Pastoral Anniversary.

I met this esteemed, prolific, thought-provoking, enlightening, well-versed, educated and dynamic young man when he was a student at Bishop College in the early 1980s.

He had swagger back then! And he could slay you with swagger and words!

While I can talk about all of the degrees he’s attained and the countless hours of research and studying; there’s so much more I can talk about when extolling the virtues of Dr. Haynes.

Now this is not to discount those degrees at all. He has earned the letters that appear in front of and behind his name.

Of the utmost importance has to be his heart, however.

Which brings me to my truth.

As a child I liked going to school for “Show and Tell.”

I still remember one of my teachers, Mrs. Meisel, who always said, “I’m from Missouri, the show me state, so you have to show me!”

I guess I have combined the two memories as I go through life.

Now this may not be the best anal-

ogy, however I have long said that a lady of the evening doesn’t have to tell you who she is; she shows you!

Well, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III does not have to tell you who he is. You see it in his walk, his talk and his actions.

constantly compare him to the Almighty versus comparing him to the alternatives.

As not just the pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, Dr. Haynes has done so much for so many and he should be uplifted and supported; as well as celebrated.

He has spoken out and up for those whose voices were either muted or ignored. Dr. Haynes has been a voice for so many who may never know that he was doing it because he did what he did without a lot of fanfare.

Instead of seeking accolades and adulation; he sought justice and salvation.

This man walks a walk that is on the right side of history. He speaks truth to power and he is committed to the cause.

His walk is not an easy one. There’s always someone who thinks they can do better or has to give their input on any and everything that he does.

There are those who want to

While he is not seeking cameras and microphones, Dr. Haynes realizes the responsibility he has as someone who can command the attention of the cameras and microphones.

Without Dr. Haynes, many of our issues or concerns would not be addressed. For this reason alone, I say “thanks.”

We need more who are able to use what they have for the benefit of others. We should pray for those, like Dr. Haynes. And we should all say, “Thanks!”

Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, lll

Carolyn Donham Dead

1934-2023

Get your history lesson here! Every week we're going to share American history that might conveniently be missing from classrooms and text books. We're going to let you see not only the victim, but also the perpetrator. For years you may have seen mugshots or negative displays of Black people. We want to be fair. We want you to put a face with the crime and we want you to know the real story. The two men who confessed to the murder, after they were acquitted, never paid for their crimes. Take time to view pictures of young Emmett before and after the brutal murder. Every Saturday we will have

another lesson. We began this week with this horrific story.

DAILY MAIL EXCLUSIVE: The white woman, 88, who triggered the lynching of Emmett Till, is seen for the first time in 20 YEARS as she lives out final days cancer-stricken and in hospice care at her Kentucky home

• Carolyn Bryant Donham, now 88, has managed to go unseen since 2004, going on to live a long life - and now spending her final days in apparent tranquility - despite her role in 14-year-old Emmett Till's lynching in 1955

• At the time Donham was a 21-year- old married moth-

er-of-two who accused the young Black boy of whistling at her - a violation of the South's racist societal codesat a Mississippi store, setting off his brutal murder

• Today, she is living in a small apartment community in Kentucky with her son, Thomas Bryant, 71,

• Donham, who was wearing a nasal cannula looped over her ears and into her nose, suffers from cancer, is legally blind, and is receiving end of life hospice care in her home

• When approached by DailyMail.com, Donham stood

by silently behind her son, who shook his head when asked if either would speak about Till

• Till's beaten and mutilated body was thrown in the Tallahatchie River in Mississippi, weighted down with a large fan from a cotton gin, before being pulled out three days later on August 28

• Donham's then husband Roy Bryant and his brother John Milam were later tried and acquitted of Till's murder, while she went on to evade charges or any consequences in a case that shocked the world for its brutality

Carolyn Bryant was at the center of the murder of Emmett Till. She died earlier this week. She was 88.

Pizzafest 2023 in Deep Ellum

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM, DALLAS TO SCREEN

“PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR: BEYOND THE MASK”

On Saturday, April 29, at 2:30 p.m., the African American Museum, Dallas, will host a screening of “Paul Laurence Dunbar: Beyond The Mask,” a feature-length documentary on the life and legacy of the first African American poet/ writer to gain international fame.

Frederick Lewis – an acclaimed filmmaker, writer and director and professor of media arts at Ohio University – will be on hand to introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion. The event is free and open to the public.

Born to former slaves in Dayton, Ohio, Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) is best remembered for his poem “We Wear The Mask” and for lines from “Sympathy” that became the title of Maya Angelou’s famous autobiography “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” A clip of Angelou reciting Dunbar’s poem is featured in the film.

Dunbar’s story is also the story of the African American experience around the turn of the century. The man abolitionist Frederick Douglass called “the most promising young colored man in America” wrote widely published

essays critical of Jim Crow laws, lynching and what was commonly called “The Negro Problem.”

More than eight years in the making, “Beyond The Mask”

received major funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional support from Ohio Humanities.

Lewis' independent docu-

mentaries have been seen on PBS stations throughout the U.S. and screened at more than 100 cultural/educational venues, including the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

Professor Lewis is a recipient of the Presidential Teacher Award, Ohio University’s highest honor for transformative teaching, curriculum innovation and mentoring. He has been a Fulbright Specialist in Hungary and has also taught or lectured in England, Germany, France, Ukraine, Malaysia and Vietnam.

"This screening has been in the planning stages for many months,” said Lewis. “I'm looking forward to sharing the story of Paul Laurence Dunbar's brief but brave, prolific life with the people of Dallas."

The African American Museum, Dallas is located at 3536 Grand Ave., in Dallas’ historic Fair Park. The museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free self-parking is available in nearby lots.

For more information, go to aamdallas.org or call 214565-9026.

Filmmaker Frederick Lewis chronicles the life and legacy of the first African American poet/ writer to gain international fame

It’s Much Deeper Than That

FAITHFUL UTTERANCES

BY DR. FROSWA BOOKER-DREW

This past week, there have been numerous acts of violence that made national headlines. Ralph Yarl is a 16-year-old Black teenager who was shot by a homeowner in Kansas City, Missouri, after he accidentally went to the wrong address to pick up his siblings. 20-yearold Kaylin Gillis of Schuylerville, New York was shot and killed in a car that mistakenly pulled into the wrong driveway. Cheerleaders Payton Washington and teammate Heather Roth were shot and wounded when Payton got into the wrong car by mistake. In North Carolina, a 6-year-old girl, her parents and an additional neighbor were shot after a basketball rolled into a neighbor’s yard.

These attacks have called for more demands on gun control, but I believe the issue is one that is multifaceted. It is truly an issue that requires an examination of both our obsession as a culture with guns but also deeper exploration into our hearts. We have become so fearful that we are willing to take the lives of others. We are more afraid of people than we are of God’s laws.

We don’t love others and instead of believing the best in others, our society focuses more on what’s wrong with people than choosing to see what is right. We ‘other’ people and as a result, we don’t see

their lives as valuable as our own. We can dismiss others because we don’t see them as important and that’s because at the core, we do not believe that each of us is created in the image of God.

Scripture reminds us that what we are seeing is not catching God off guard. God is not alarmed by this behavior but has warned us that this is a result of our behavior and our lack of respect for ourselves and each other. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 states, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power…”

God is still in control, but we must recognize that our actions have consequences. When we witness these awful events, we always talk about offering our prayers, but our faith without action is dead. We must do more than pray, offer condolences and go back to living our lives without any responsibility or accountability for ourselves and to one another.

It's imperative that we do not just sit back as Believers and accept what we are seeing. It’s important that we look in the mirror and recognize that just as we are witnessing so much evil in the world, we need

to be mindful of our contribution to either making the world better or worse. It’s so easy to think that our missteps are minor. We have the tendency to weigh some transgressions as worse than others. To God, sin is sin. When we make these choices to go against God, we disrupt our relationship with God and with others. We are also not exempt from the consequences of our decisions.

We each make choices daily and so often, we choose to exclude God from those decisions. “The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood and becomes a real killer.” (James 1:1315).

Our churches no longer focus on these issues. We want everyone to be happy and prosperous while people are hurting and dying because of our unwillingness to speak truth to power. Those of us in the pews don’t want to hear about the results of our actions and choices. We are more interested in being entertained than really examining our love walk. Until we are willing to deal with our hearts as a society, we must be prepared to experience more of the same.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the Founder and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, specializing as a Partnership Broker and Leadership Expert for companies and organizations to thrive with measurable and meaningful impact.

To Hell with Clarence!

QUIT PLAYIN’

BY VINCENT L. HALL

If there’s a hell below, Clarence Thomas should be first to go! Yeah, I said it! And worse than that, I mean it!

As if the installation of the first Black Supreme Court Justice went a step too far in helping African Americans, the Republican Party ordered us two steps back with a sullen Negro named Clarence Thomas.

The racial pride and progress we saw in Justice Thurgood Marshall dissipated with the swearing-in of a shameless token.

The news wires have been ablaze over the last few weeks as Uncle Thomas' lack of ethics has been exposed. To make it worse, Dallas has come into the limelight again.

This "affair" between billionaire Harlan Crow and his "friend" is a natural parallel to Jim Schutze’s book, “The Accommodation!”

Dallas is still stagnant because the "power structure" still handpicks Negroes who will ensure that no other Negro causes a problem.

Schutze went as far back as the 1930’s, but I can point to the same phenomenon alive and well in this city today. Dallas is still accommodating!

Please don't tempt me. I can point to all of the "spooks by the door" who grace or disgrace us, active and retired. Don’t try me. I promised my mama I would play nice.

It should not confound you that Harlan Crow bought property from Thomas, refurbished it, and now has Thomas' 94-year-old mother there. In addition, ProPublica revealed that Harlan purchased two nearby lots and Williams’ home in 2014 in Savannah, GA.

Crow reportedly paid $133,363 for the properties, which was much high -

er than Thomas's valuation. In addition, the friendly billionaire improved the home, including a carport, a roof repair, a new fence, and gates.

While Black men of his era did everything to get their mamas out of the "master’s servant's quarters. Thomas did just the opposite.

If you have been around as long as I have or studied history, you know that Injustice Thomas has made a name for himself in the “Conserva -

have no motivation for doing better or getting out of that situation."

It was a stunning story. To hear Thomas tell it, his sister sounded like a classic ‘welfare queen’ of the sort presidential candidate Ronald Reagan singled out that same year, a painful example of how a well-intended government handout can tie families to a cycle of poverty and dependency.”

The article tells a fuller story of his sister and concludes that Thomas used his sister as a cudgel to cleave a place for himself in the Conservative movement.

“Unfortunately, Thomas` stunning story wasn't true. Not quite.

When reporters recently tracked down Thomas` sister, Emma Mae Martin, living in a beat-up frame house with a hole in the roof in Pin Point, Ga., a few steps from where she and her two younger brothers were born, they didn't find a story of welfare dependency.

Instead, they found a story of hard work by three generations of a family struggling, like most other families, just to make ends meet.

tive” movement at the expense of his own family. He has openly debased his kinship and profited from doing so.

A Chicago Tribune story, "THOMAS` SISTER'S LIFE GIVES LIE TO HIS WELFARE FABLE," gives you some background. This column appeared in July 1994.

“In an often-quoted speech that he delivered to a conference of Black conservatives in 1980, Thomas said of his sister, who was then on welfare:

"She gets mad when the mailman is late with her welfare check. That's how dependent she is.

"What's worse is that now her kids feel entitled to the check too. They

Martin was deserted by her husband in 1973, just as her father had disappeared 25 years earlier. She worked two minimum-wage jobs while her brother attended law school but stopped working to take care of an elderly aunt who had suffered a stroke. That led to four or five years on welfare, trying to make it on $169 a month.

That's over.

She now works as a cook at the same hospital where her mother is a nurse's assistant and she sometimes has to report to work at 3 a.m.

As Jesse Jackson would say, "She takes the early bus.”

I wonder if Thomas' sister still takes the bus. But if there is a bus to hell, and I get to choose, he will be its first boarder. #uncletom

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

Clarence Thomas and Harlan Crow Photo: stockimg.ai

Attacks on Black People Cause Lasting Trauma

THE LAST WORD

BY DR. JULIANNE MALVEAUX

All Ralph Yarl was trying to do was pick up his siblings in Kansas City. He went to a home on 115 Street instead of 115 Terrace, an understandable mistake that could have been easily rectified had the homeowner, who opened the door with a gun instead, said “wrong address” and provided directions to the right one.

Instead, the rabid white man shot the 16-year-old in the head and the arm. Blessedly, Yarl is alive, hospitalized, and in stable condition. The shooter had been released pending charges.

I suppose “stand your ground” means shoot ’em up. Would the homeowner have shot a white youth? Would a Black homeowner shooting have been released so quickly?

As concerned as I am with Ralph Yarl, an exceptional student by all accounts, I am more concerned with how this shooting may affect other Black youth’s mental health and stability.

Every signal our society sends to young Black people is a signal that they are not valued. Running unarmed through the wrong neighborhood can get you shot and killed. Driving unarmed and safely in the face of white police irrationality can get you killed.

Looking “menacing” can get you killed. Sitting in a classroom can get you killed. Going to a birthday party can get you killed. Too often, Black youth are killed by rabid and irrational whits.

Equally often, folks with more guns than sense kill them in classrooms and streets. And then, sometimes, they are

killed by each other. How are they processing the threats to their safety and survival?

In her book “Lynching and Spectacle,” Amy Louise Wood wrote, “Even one lynching reverberated, traveling with sinister force, down city streets, and through rural farms, across roads and rivers. … One mob’s yell could

killings and lynchings. Ralph Yarl’s survival is a blessing.

His community’s advocacy for him is a tremendous support. As always, Attorney Ben Crump and his team should be applauded for being on the case.

Who will minister to those who are impacted by this horrible shooting? The Black community must turn this pain into power and purpose. The National Rifle Association, now promoting “junior” versions of assault weapons, must be checked.

Every time a mass shooting occurs, they should be sued, and, more importantly (but not the same thing), if they send legal reinforcements to defend the heinous attacker of Ralph Yarl, they should be countered with fierce opposition.

The right to bear arms does not mean the right to shoot innocent people on sight. Simple civility suggests that the erroneous ringing of a doorbell should not turn into a savage act by a homeowner.

sound like ‘a hundred mobs yelling,’ and the specter of the violence continued to smolder long after it was over.” These all-too-regular shootings of Black youth have a similar effect. What does any young Black man think of the shooting of Ralph Yarl? Does it make him feel more endangered? More cautious? Angrier? Does it affect his mental health?

The fact that Ralph Yarl’s shooter has not been charged is discouraging. It suggests that there are no consequences to shooting Black people.

To be sure, since the murder of George Floyd, a few murderers, like putrid Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, have experienced consequences. At the same time, too many get away with these public shootings,

But the media machine that portrays Black people as frightening and threatening is at least partly responsible for the deep-seated fear and hate that some whites have toward us.

Too many of us have been anesthetized by our trauma. It hurts, but it doesn’t hurt. It’s abnormal, but its attacks on Black people have been so frequent that they have become routine.

We pray for Ralph Yarl, cry for him, and contribute to the GoFundMe appeal that his aunt put out.

Yet these passive acts are not enough. It is time for the kind of action that disarms fools and protects young Black people.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an author, economist, and social commentator.

Sixteen-year-old Ralph Yarl was shot twice.

Link Between Racism and Gun Violence

TO BE EQUAL

BY MARC MORIAL

“We won’t be bent, we won’t be bowed, and we won’t be ordered to ignore the hearts and minds of the people who elected us, demanding common sense gun safety in a state that has nearly none. The GOP of the Tennessee House of Representatives attempted to obstruct me and my colleagues from these goals and to shred our democracy. Instead, Republicans have only fanned the flames of hope that illuminate our movement, helping it to grow more powerful and glow more brightly.”

— Tennessee state Rep. Justin J. Pearson

The crowd of more than 1,000 that gathered at Tennessee’s Capitol to demand safer gun policies was mostly white.

The three 9-year-old children and two of the three staff members who died in the mass shooting that inspired the protest were white.

The group of legislators who stood at the House podium with a bullhorn to lead protestors in the galleries was multiracial.

Only the Black legislators were expelled.

The Tennessee lawmakers who voted to expel House members Justin Jones and Justin Pearson while sparing Gloria Johnson shifted focus away from the outcry against gun violence — which cuts across every demographic — toward their own appalling racism.

In the eyes of the nation, when the House convened on the morning April

6, the Tennessee Three were facing expulsion because they protested gun violence. When it adjourned that evening, the Justins had been expelled because they are Black.

The reality is that racial resentment and gun extremism are inexplicably linked.

Racial resentment is a “statistically significant” predictor of white resistance to gun safety policies, research shows. Yet those same “racially resentful” Americans are less likely to support “gun rights” if they believe Black people are exercising those rights more than they are.

Despite the reality that a gun in the household offers almost no protection against assailants, doubles the risk of death by violent homicide and triples the risk of death by violent suicide, the vast majority of gun owners cite “protection” as their reason for owning one.

Clearly, for many white gun owners “protection” means “protection from Black people.”

The high rate of gun ownership in the South, even today, can be traced to the backlash against Reconstruction. The higher the rates of historical enslavement in a county, the higher the rates of contemporary gun ownership.

Nearly half of Southerners live in a household with at least one gun, compared to 28 percent of Northeasterners. Six of the 10 states with the highest rates of gun violence — including Tennessee — are in the South.

Tennessee has the 10th-highest rate of gun violence in the nation and ranks 29th on the strength of its gun safety policies. Just eight days after the massacre at Covenant School, the state’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted to defer action on any gun-related legislation until next year.

While the anti-gun safety supermajority in Tennessee’s legislature’s may continue to block common-sense policies for some time to come, their effort to silence the outcry against gun violence clearly has failed. Not only have both Justins been reappointed to the House, they return as national heroes.

The Nashville Metropolitan Council unanimously voted to reappoint Jones to his seat on April 10, and the Shelby County Board of Commissioners returned Pearson to the House two days later.

“Today we are sending a resounding message that democracy will not be killed in the comfort of silence,” Jones said after the vote. “Today we send a clear message to Speaker Cameron Sexton that the people will not allow his crimes against democracy to happen without challenge.”

In contrast to the legislature’s stubborn refusal to address gun violence, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has issued an executive order strengthening background checks for gun purchases and called for a red flag law that would temporarily remove guns from dangerous people.

Lee and his wife, Maria, were longtime friends of two of those who lost their lives at Covenant School: substitute teacher Cynthia Peak and headmistress Katherine Koontz. Peak was expected at the governor’s mansion for dinner with Maria Lee on the day of the shooting.

It should not take a personal connection to the victims of a massacre to move a public servant to take a stand against gun violence. But now that Lee has taken the first step, he must continue the journey and the legislature should follow.

Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

Ruth Wells Wyrick Remembered

Ruth Laverne Wells Wyrick was a native Texan who traced her heritage in the Lone Star State back more than four generations. She hailed from Waco, Texas, and attended the segregated A. J. Moore High School with her only brother, Roosevelt Wells. After graduating from Southwestern Christian College (SwCC) in Terrell, she relocated to Dallas where she met and married Ernest “Deacon” Wyrick, also an SwCC alumnus.

She and Deacon had two children, Narleski and Natesha (Shay), who attended private elementary and high schools because Ruth was a firm believer in Christian education. Even in her circles of faith, she was willing to push for change. That led her to enroll Narleski in Dallas Christian School in 1968 as the school’s first Black student. When the school moved out of the city, she joined other parents in establishing Christian Academy of Oak Cliff where she joined the Parent Teacher Organization and the Ladies Auxiliary for Christian Education.

Ruth and Deacon were faithful members of Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ in Oak Cliff. She always found time and energy to devote to the work of the church. A few of those activities included teaching Bible class, volunteering as a youth counselor, and serving as a prayer partner for any member. She also volunteered with Lifeline Chaplaincy through Marsalis, making pillows for hospital patients. She supported her husband in his work as a deacon, elder, and focus leader.

She worked closely with her husband at the National Youth Conference of the churches of Christ and was instrumental in creating the Mr. & Miss National Youth Conference Pageant, one of the most highly regarded activities for youth across the brotherhood.

Ruth was a champion for her alma mater, which is the only historically Black college among the churches of Christ. She was active in the National Alumni Association and the Dallas Alumni Chapter. She was the chief fundraiser for SwCC in Dallas, having raised approximately $1.5 million for the college in the last 25 years through the National Dinner Day and the Little Mr.

& Miss SwCC Pageant. She was appointed to the SwCC Board of Trustees in 2006 and served on the Executive Committee. She has won the prestigious SwCC Alumnus of the Year Award three times, more than any other person. In 2012, she was awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service.

In her spare time, she was actively involved in the community as well as local and state politics. She refused to allow people to say that Christians are not concerned with the outside world. Through her activity and influence, she worked on many historical local campaigns and helped to elevate the political activity of members of the

She was active in the Dallas Branch of the NAACP and the Progressive Voters League.

As much as Ruth loved her children, she reveled in being a grandmother. Her two oldest grandsons, Ryan and Richard, were raised in California. Shay’s marriage to Victor Cathey gave her three grandsons in Dallas that she would be able to enjoy. She spent as much time as she could with Noah, Caleb, and Luke, taking them to church and community events.

Despite her level of activity in the community, Ruth held a full-time job outside of the home. She had two stints in Dallas Independent School District working consistently from 1986 until her retirement in 2009.

Ruth loved the fellowship of her immediate family and her Christian brothers and sisters. She often joked that she had “perfect attendance” at the SwCC Lectureship, local revivals, and homecomings prior to COVID-19.

During the height of the pandemic, Ruth remained true to herself. She was instrumental in establishing a virtual weekly ladies bible class. She continued to fundraise for SwCC while encouraging others to vote and giving her endorsement to her chosen candidates.

church. During the era of Sunday evening worship services, she would bring candidates of her choice to church to introduce them. Getting her endorsement was key to securing the Black church of Christ voting bloc in Dallas.

Once she began voting, Ruth never missed an election. She served as a Democratic Precinct Chair for 50 years and a Dallas County Election Judge for every municipal, state, and partisan election at South Oak Cliff through 2021. She attended the Texas Democratic Convention from 1980 through 2020.

Ruth served on numerous boards and commissions but was proud to be appointed to the City of Dallas Martin Luther King, Jr. Board by Councilman Al Lipscomb and was appointed as Chair of the MLK Board by Ron Kirk, the first Black mayor of Dallas.

Borrowing from the famous spiritual hymn, her life’s mission simply was to help those she could as long as she could. She would often be heard singing this hymn to family….

“May the works I've done speak for me.

May the works (I've done) speak for me.

When I'm resting in my grave, There's nothing more to be said;

May the works I've done

Let it speak for me….”

Her transition to Glory leaves an earthly void for many, but especially for her children Narleski Wyrick and Shay Wyrick Cathey and husband Victor; her grandchildren Ryan, Richard and wife Caitlin, Noah, Caleb and Luke; great-grandson Sebastian; nieces and nephews Peggy Wells Autry and husband Anthony, Frederic Wells and wife Deb, Stacey Wells Young; great nieces Lauren and Lindsay; her beloved Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ and Southwestern Christian College families; and those who seek justice and fairness for all.

Ruth Laverne Wells Wyrick 1934-2023

You cannot climb a smooth mountain

BIG MAMA SAID

BY TERRY ALLEN

Thank God, for Lucile “Big Mama” Bailey Robinson Allen.

Let me remind you again that Big Mama’s wisdom would now make her a TIK TOK, Instagram, Facebook and even Twitter sensation. This latest excerpt from her legendary verbal tome is “You cannot climb a smooth mountain!” .

Texas Metro News (TMN) does not entertain a smooth mountain at all. TMN gives the community at large the diverse narrative of our news and our stories. Check this, what I know.

What is its most used intent: There is a saying that a smooth mountain cannot be climbed. The smooth, shiny surface of a rock mountain makes it impossible for you to climb upward if you cannot grab anything that gives you a handhold or foothold.

Even more so, I had the best experience of being in the room several times with Zig Ziglar, who used the statement: “You Can’t Climb a Smooth Mountain.” I am certain he had talked with Big Mama before I met him, since my connection to him came through her imprint on my life.

What else does it mean?

Big Mama wanted me to know that all those rough patches in your life and the bad, weakened times were actually opportunities for going “onward and upward.”

That message resonated in Big Mama’s love, helping those going through a rough time, yet they lost hope. She told all who would listen that you cannot appreciate the peak of the mountain until you have been in the pit of the valley!

Big Mama is the person who made me intensely, unapologetically self-aware and historically African inspired. She made me see the “value” in the valley and gravitate to the rough side of the mountain over the complacent, smooth mountain base.

course correction, it is extremely common for you to initially experience an exacerbation of your current trials and tribulations or to even experience hopelessness.

Last week, I told the young men who wanted change to understand a few key steps: a) If you have no spiritual courage, stay on the smooth walk around the base of the mountain, especially if you are afraid of being a game changer or if you think you cannot influence unhealthy status quo. However, understand that the mountaintop will

WE MUST NOT SLOW DOWN OUR EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN FORWARD MOVEMENTS IN OUR

Big Mama would always be on that front porch stoop where she delivered to her audience of sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and deliver her God Moment!

Big Mama expanded her smooth mountain story by saying, “You may not know you are in a smooth mountain movement because you are continually walking around that smooth base of the mountain satisfied but never moving up!"

We don’t want rough patches but I know for sure you cannot see and look over the mountaintop if you have not had experience and undo the initial damage you see right in front and inside of you.

As you work through the process of a community-driven

never reach your hands.

If you are ready to move upward, know that the path will not always be smooth. Every dip and gutter you encounter serves a purpose and is an integral part of moving forward

So, in closing, I ask you to go look for that rough side of the mountain in our world, tackle it and give us a true democracy.

Who has a testimony? Email me at terryallenpr@gmail. com and let me know! We cannot go back to another Jim Crow error or era, at all.

A Call For Impeachment and Recalls Before 2024

OUR VOICES

DR. JOHN E. WARREN

The attitude of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas only adds to concerns about non-reported gifts from wealthy donors. In addition, it adds to the ongoing discussion of his wife Ginny Thomas’ involvement with the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Mrs. Thomas’ emails have already proven to be very telling as to her position with the “far right” and the false statements about a “stolen” Presidential election.

It was already hard to believe that she never shared any of her views with her husband, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Considering the Justice’s conservative position on most issues, it became very hard to believe that the two persons in that marriage didn’t discuss politics.

Now we find a trail of gifts and favors to the Justice, spanning decades, as well as a personal real estate deal involving the home of the mother of Justice Thomas having been sold to his billionaire donor with no record of the sale being reported, as required by law. Also, no reporting of income from the sale.

The excuses offered by Justice Thomas, when he chooses to give one, reflect neither remorse nor concern about the appearance of such actions from a Justice seated on the highest court in the land and expected to lead by example.

Justice Thomas can only be removed from office by death, resignation or impeachment. He is not expected to resign. Justice Roberts, the Presiding Justice, is not expected to take any action and, therefore, the only recourse is impeachment as provided by the United States Constitution.

So far, the only Federal Judge removed from office by impeachment was Judge Alcee Hastings of the Southern District of Florida in 1989.

The issue is not whether the Senate has the votes to convict Thomas, or if a Republican controlled Congress will allow the impeachment proceedings to clear the House of Representatives, as required by the Constitution, but the need to show

the American people that some elected officials still take their Oath of Office seriously enough to make the effort for removal from the highest Court in the Land.

While the United States Constitution does not have a recall provision, each state which elects individuals to the U.S. Congress does have such a provision in its State Constitution.

It is time for the voters of each state to take a look at the people they have elected to some of the highest offices in the land and for the people of each state to consider recalling those elected officials who are ignoring the will of the people on such issues as gun control, abortion and voter suppression.

While there may not be enough votes to remove many of the Republicans in state and national office, the idea of a Recall against them should be enough to let them know the American people have had enough of the attack on democracy.

Something to think about.

Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryallenpr@gmail.com

Dr. John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

Report: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Violated Ethics Laws with Multiple Super Yacht Cruises with Republican Donor

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Correspondent

For more than two decades, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has accepted luxury trips virtually every year from Dallas businessman and Republican mega donor Harlan Crow without disclosing them, a bombshell new report from ProPublica has revealed.

Citing documents and interviews, the nonprofit and Pulitzer Prize winning legal news organization said Thomas, who has a salary of $285,000, has vacationed on Crow’s superyacht around the globe.

Had Thomas footed the bill himself, one trip on Crow’s yacht would have set him back a cool half-million dollars.

What’s more, the controversial conservative justice often flies on Crow’s Bombardier Global 5000 jet. That’s a $70,000 trip.

Justices are required to report all gifts of $415 or more that are “anything of value” and not fully reimbursed.

There’s no record of Thomas reporting the gifts or reimbursing anyone for the trips.

“He has gone with Crow to the Bohemian Grove, the exclusive California all-male retreat, and to Crow’s sprawling ranch in East Texas,” the legal news site reported on Thursday, April 6.

“And Thomas typically spends about a week every summer at Crow’s private resort in the Adirondacks.”

The extent and frequency of Crow’s apparent gifts to Thomas have no known precedent in the modern history of the U.S. Supreme Court, and ProPublica further notes that the trips appeared nowhere on Thomas’ financial disclosures.

“His failure to report the flights appears to violate a law passed after Watergate that requires justices, judges, members of Congress and federal officials to disclose most gifts,” the site reported, citing two ethics law experts.

Thomas, the experts said, also should have disclosed his trips on the yacht.

“It’s incomprehensible to me that someone would do this,” Nancy Gertner, a retired federal judge appointed by President Bill Clinton, told ProPublica.

When she was on the bench, Gertner said, she was so cautious about appearances that she wouldn’t mention her title when making dinner reservations: “It was a question of not wanting to use the office for anything other than what it was intended.”

Virginia Canter, a former government ethics lawyer who served in administrations of both parties, said Thomas “seems to have com-

pletely disregarded his higher ethical obligations.”

“When a justice’s lifestyle is being subsidized by the rich and famous, it absolutely corrodes public trust,” said Canter, now at the watchdog group CREW.

“Quite frankly, it makes my heart sink.”

As ProPublica noted, federal judges sit in a unique position of public trust.

to police itself.

And many opine that Thomas has exploited that privilege and, along with his wife Ginny, have thumbed their noses at Democracy.

“The most glaring example of the Supreme Court’s ethical vacuum is Clarence Thomas,” political columnist Jonathan Chait wrote for New York Magazine.

“The right-wing justice has operated, in conjunction with his wife, in the center of a network of conservative activists whose project is indistinguishable from his legal work.”

Meanwhile, ProPublica reported evidence that Thomas has taken even more trips on the superyacht.

The report noted that Crow often gave his guests custom polo shirts commemorating their vacations.

Each justice enjoys lifetime tenure, which is supposed to inoculate them from feeling any temptation toward corruption.

Intentionally, a code of conduct for federal judges below the Supreme Court requires them to avoid even the “appearance of impropriety.”

Members of the high court, Chief Justice John Roberts has written, “consult” that code for guidance.

However, the Supreme Court is left almost entirely

ProPublica found photographs of Thomas wearing at least two of those shirts.

In one, he wears a blue polo shirt embroidered with the Michaela Rose’s logo and the words “March 2007” and “Greek Islands.”

“Thomas didn’t report any of the trips ProPublica identified on his annual financial disclosures,” the outlet noted.

“Ethics experts said the law clearly requires disclosure for private jet flights and Thomas appears to have violated it.”

Justice Clarence Thomas

Harry Belafonte Remembering

Great human beings who understand their journey, from the time of their birth on the planet, waste no time in their sojourn. When their eyes open to the light of the world, they seem to know, instantly, what work God has for them! They become servants and angels, of sort, spiritual representatives guided by an ethereal vessel, the human spirit. They are born with the vision and clarity of

a world that doesn’t seem to be too foreign to them because they waste no time getting busy to do the work. They are not afraid to be challenged because they also challenge. They are not afraid to lead because they are leaders. They are not afraid to speak because they are speakers. They are not afraid to act because they understand the art of an actor and acting. They are not afraid to

sing because they understand the power of lyrics and the blending of harmonies. They are not afraid because everything they do is embodied into a beautiful time capsule. Such was the case with the life of Harry Belafonte.

I met Mr. Belafonte on several occasions. My first time meeting him was in 1972 when I attended the Black Academy of Arts and Letters (BAAL) conference,

Harry Belafonte

in Chicago, Illinois which was hosted by John H. Johnson, the founder and business mogul for Johnson Publishing Company, Ebony and Jet magazines respectively. My professor and mentor, the famed literary giant Margaret Walker, invited me to this conference, which Mr. Belafonte was one of the keynoters for this illustrious gathering of some of the greatest African American writers, actors, musicians, singers, painters, sculptors, dancers, choreographers, thinkers, scholars, etc. in modern times. I was simply a young kid, a student at Jackson State University, from the south, who happened to have been chosen by Walker to attend the conference. It was my first airplane flight and my first awakening to be in the midst of all of these great minds whom I studied their works and had seen them on television and in movies. Never would I have imagined that I would be sitting at the table talking to the likes of a Sidney Poitier, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Maya Angelou and a Harry Belafonte. I had a somewhat lengthy conversation with Mr.

A Personal Tribute By Curtis King

Belafonte. I told him I wanted to be an actor and a director. He was patiently listening and encouraging! I, bravely, asked him for his contact information and if I could continue to communicate with him. “Yes” he said. And I did. A few years later, I went to New York and while there I met with Mr. Belafonte and told him of my interest in the New York based Black Academy of Arts and Letters (not TBAAL in Dallas), which had then become defunct. The same gentleman who was encouraging to me years earlier was now encouraged by my interest in reviving the Black Academy. I continued to communicate with him over the course of several years because he was one of the founding Fellows of the original BAAL. He was one

who shared with John Oliver Killens and Dr. C. Eric Lincoln, both board members, that I should drop “Junior” from the name, Junior Black Academy of Arts and Letters (JBAAL) which was an umbrella entity that worked under the auspices of BAAL. He said that since we were doing the work that the BAAL had initially set out to do at its inception, we should be The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Now TBAAL, over four decades later, I am thankful to have met Mr. Belafonte and to have been encouraged by his words and generosity. What a glorious life he lived, a model to follow, a great voice and proponent of Civil Rights and the arts!! I join the toast of millions to celebrate his magnificent legacy!!

Call issued to Support Black Businesses

Buy Black!

By Cheryl Smith

When Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, of Friendship-West Baptist Church, announced 100 Days of Buying Black in acknowledging the 100th Commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we joined the movement. December 31, 2021 marked 100 days of featuring Black Businesses. and we decided that the struggle continues and we must also. So enjoy reading about more Black-owned businesses and please support.

SHEER ELEGANCE BOUTIQUE

Sheer Elegance Boutique, owned by Tamica Jones, specializes in Classy Church Attire. She also carries the latest In DESIGNER Styles, Fun Fashions, Handbags, Blingy Things & More. Sheer Elegance has suits -business and casual a styles for every woman. Shop online in the catalog by going to the website. Tamica says, 'WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD,YOU FEEL GOOD!" You are sure to find the style and fit just for you.

https://sheer-elegance-btq.myshopify.com/ 817-4351589

2 NEIGHBOR'S HOT CHICKEN

2 Neighbor's Hot Chicken is a Nashville Style Hot Chicken eatery. A hidden gem, nestled inside the Grow DeSoto Market Place, with sandwiches made to order with your choice of spices. 2 Neighbor’s provides catering for many events

including birthdays, corporate events and business meeting, weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties and more. The catering menu features many of the local favorites including their famous Chicken and Catfish Baskets. Visit the website where you can order online. Open Wed-Sat 11:30 am - 7 pm. at 324 E. Belt Line Rd. DeSoto, 972-400-8970 https://2neighborshotchicken.com/

CATFISH SMITH

Catfish Smith is Fried Seafood Heaven serving real Catfish not SWAI. You’ll find Catfish Smith in Sunny South Dallas. They have served the community since 1971. Carlo G. is the owner, and he hails from Louisiana. Catfish is what he was raised on, and he brought it to Sunny South Dallas. Order online, call it in, or pull up at Catfish Smith’s 4620 S LAMAR ST. (214)-428-4407 https://www. catfishsmithdtx.com/

SMOKE-A-HOLICS BBQ

Smoke-A-Holics BBQ is owned by Derrick Walker the pitmaster. Smoke-A-Holics opened in 2019. Derrick was doing pop-ups before it was cool, now he has a restaurant in the Hillside Park area of Fort Worth. He serves what is described as a Tex-Soul menu, among them there is moist brisket with a peppery bark and tender pork ribs. Check out the menu there are more meats and plenty of veggies and sweets for your sweet tooth. Open Wed-Sat 11 am till sold out, Turkey Leg Tuesday 11 am-3 pm, Closed Sun & Mon. 1417 Evans Ave. Ft. Worth 817-386-5658

SOUTHERN GOURMET KITCHEN

Southern Gourmet Kitchen serves Southern classic foods, made from scratch each day and packaged in a way that lets

you bring the quality of their meals into your home. For over 20 years Southern Gourmet’s chef has perfected her vision for guests with caring and committed staff to make sure to have a fantastic experience. From food trucks to their brand new restaurant they are excited to show some good ol' down south southern cooking with all the amazing flavors and love from their home-style kitchen. Reservations are available at 469-298-3441, email: sgk6509@gmail.com, or better yet see them in person, at 6509 W Park Blvd Suite 420, Plano. Hours 11 am – 4 pm.

https://southerngourmetkitchens.com/

A TASTE OF WAYS & CATERING

A Taste of Ways & Catering serving Soul Food, BBQ Wings, Cajun Seafood and a whole lot more. Their motto is “Tha Goon Wit Tha Spoon.” They serve a full menu that changes every day. You can drive up and pick up to their DeSoto location at 1630 Falcon Dr. Suite 106, or their new place 630 Oriole Blvd. Duncanville. Take Out and Dine-In. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @atasteofways.

(214) 723-2798 or email: atasteofways@gmail.com Open Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 am-7 pm.

DILLA COFFEE

Dilla Coffee is an Authentic Ethiopian Specialty Coffee Shop. They use Ethiopiansourced beans, and the founders are offering the most unique coffees from where coffee all started. The Arabica coffee with optimal growing conditions of 69-84 degrees Fahrenheit, boasts smooth and silky undertones of vanilla, black tea, and rooibos. Stop by Dilla Coffee and try the Ethiopian Sourced and Dallas Brewed Coffee at 3823 Ross Ave. in Dallas, Open Mon-Sat 7 am-4 pm. Call (214)609-9114 or email: team@dillacoffee.com

https://dillacoffee.com/

Dr. Frederick D.Haynes III

Texas Metro News

Comerica Bank, Iron Mountain To Host 11th Annual Shred Day DFW On Earth Day

Comerica Bank and Iron Mountain Incorporated, the global leader in storage and information management services, will shred sensitive paper documents for free from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 at Iron Mountain’s DFW flagship station located in Mercer Business Park on the northwest corner of I-35 and 635 (12121 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas 75237).

“At Comerica, we are committed to building strong and sustainable communities, offering Shred Day DFW is another opportunity for us to raise expectations of what a bank can be in the communities where we live and serve,” said Andrew Raines, Comerica Bank Retail Regional Director. “Our longstanding partnership with Iron Mountain and the North Texas Food Bank continues to raise awareness about the importance of preventing identity theft, protecting the environment and fighting hunger in the DFW area.”

The North Texas Food Bank will be on-site to collect monetary donations as well as nonperishable food items. The first 500 guests who donate to the food bank will receive a complimentary gift.

“We are so grateful for the support of companies like Comerica Bank and Iron Mountain that rec-

ognize the growing issue of hunger and look for ways to contribute to organizations addressing this complex problem,” said Erica Yaeger, North Texas Food Bank Chief External Affairs Officer. “Since 2011, more than 516,000 nutritious meals have been collected at Shred Day DFW for our neighbors facing hunger. This collaboration helps the North Texas Food Bank and our feeding network provide food during a time when we are seeing an unprecedented need.”

All paper from Shred Day DFW will be turned into pulp and recycled after being securely destroyed.

The public, including small business owners and nonprofits, is invited to bring personal or business paper documents to be securely destroyed and recycled. There is no limit to the

amount of paper individuals can bring – there will be a special lane for large loads (trucks, flatbeds, trailers, etc.q). A complete list of Shred Day guidelines and more event details can be found at comerica.com/ShredDayDFW.

“As the leading bank for business and a force for good in the communities where we live and serve, we encourage small businesses and nonprofit organizations to join us as at Shred Day,” Raines said. “It is an opportunity to help safeguard their reputation by securely shredding sensitive and confidential paper documents without incurring the costs.”

Since 2011, Shred Day DFW has collected more than 3.5 million pounds of paper for recycling while providing 518,000 meals for area residents facing hunger.

Guests are encouraged to donate to the North Texas Food Bank as they pass through the shred lanes.

South Dallas Club hosts 59th Trailblazer Luncheon, awards $50,000 in scholarships

By Gwendolyn H. Daniels Texas

The 85-member South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. hosted its 59th Annual V. Alyce Foster Trailblazer Awards Luncheon on April 22 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas.

Nearly 1,000 guests gathered after a three-year hiatus of virtual Trailblazer celebrations due to COVID-19. President Ollie Gilstrap and members of the 2023 Trailblazer Committee greeted 14 adult honorees and eight scholarship recipients on the Mezzanine level of the Anatole for a brief reception prior to the 12 o’clock luncheon.

Promptly at high noon Mistress of Ceremony, The Honorable Crystal Chism, DeSoto City Councilmember and a South Dallas Club member, announced the start

of the historic luncheon that was first held on March 30, 1964 at the Holiday Inn Central in Dallas. Almost six decades later the amazing women of South Dallas BPW Club were in host mode again!

A processional beginning with eight high school seniors who were receiving scholarships led the way into the Imperial Ballroom. An elite group of 14 adult honorees followed by program participants and national and district leaders of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. progressed to their reserved seats on the dais.

As Jark1 Entertainment filled the ballroom with the tune “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves,” members of the South Dallas BPW Club entered the luncheon two-bytwo beginning with Club Sisters Charron Simmons and Barbara Washington, followed by the entire membership, past

presidents, and Dr. Loren Gilbert-Smith, chairperson along with Candy Bradshaw, Co-chair.

Emcee Crystal Chism asked all guests to stand and receive President Ollie Gilstrap escorted by Ombudsman Preston Gilstrap to the tune “I’m Every Woman” by the incomparable Whitney Houston. Kimball High School Color Guard led by Major Christopher Thompson presented the colors and the audience remained standing as an audio/visual presentation of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” played.

The two-tiered dais was introduced by Emcee Chism and the Reverend Virzola Law, Pastor of Northway Christian Church delivered the invocation and the blessing of the meal. President Gilstrap gave a heartfelt welcome and lunch was served while Club Sister and National Treasurer of the Association, Brittany Montgomery

followed by South Central District Governor, Dr. Terri Ford brought greetings. The occasion was delivered by Past President Marion Hill-Hubbard.

During the meal the audience was entertained by Midnite Bleue (a talented youth jazz ensemble) and the DeSoto High School Dance Team performed a dance routine. Young Miles Johnson, President of the South Dallas Youth Club spoke on the luncheon theme “Moving Forward with a Purpose: The Legacy Lives On” and received an arousing round of applause!

The highlight of the luncheon came when $50,000 in scholarships were awarded to eight deserving seniors from the DFW area. Lakyra Hobbs from Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy received the Alberta Blair Scholarship ($8.000); Trinitee Jordan Harris from Cedar Hill Collegiate High School received

Metro News

Pres. and Trailblazer Committee

the Ada Adams Scholarship ($7,000); Mya Dean from North Garland High School received the Kathryn Mitchell Scholarship ($6,500); Ian Lee-Wiggins from Lakeview Centennial High School received the Ombudsman Scholarship ($6,500); Brooke Marlett from Booker T. Washington High School also received $6,500; Jaimi Coleman from Plano West Senior High School received $5,500; Prescilla Gloria Chidma Aniede from Lakeview Centennial High School received $5,000; and Olecia Edwards from Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center received $5,000.

This year the South Dallas BPW Club presented the prestigious Trailblazer Award to six worthy individuals: the Honorable Sonja A. Brown is the first African American female mayor of Glenn Heights, TX; Katrice Hardy is the first African American female executive editor of the Dallas Morning News; The Honorable Jacquin Headen is the first African American female city councilmember in Grand Prairie, TX; Tonya McClary, Esq. is the first Dallas Police Monitor and Director of the Community Police Oversight Board; Derick D. Miller is the first African American chief of police in Irving, TX; and Dr. Nicole Arleane Roberson is the first African American vice chancellor of diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer for Missouri S&T.

April Allen, foundation president and chief operating officer of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation was named Woman of the Year; Chantell Ford Upshaw received the Humanitarian Award; The Honorable Carolyn King Arnold received the Ombudswoman Award; Kimberley Runnels received the Community Service Award; Candace E. Wicks received the Margaret Gilbert Volunteer Service Award; Brooke Hart Jones received the Mabel Meshach White Businesswoman Award; and Toi Thurman received the Professional Woman Award.

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. highest award is the Sojourner Truth Award. This year The Honorable Toni Rose, Texas State Representative for District 110 was the recipient. As tradition requires, the highest ranking officer present, Club Sister and National Treasurer Brittany Montgomery presented the award joined by President Ollie Gilstrap.

The afternoon concluded with the announcement of all winners of the ever-popular silent auction. Final remarks were made by Dr. Gilbert-Smith and President Gilstrap. Club Chaplain Pat Parrish delivered the closing prayer.

For more information on the South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, visit their website at www.southdallasbpwc.org.

Pres Gilstrap and Past Presidents

Pres. Gilstrap with MC Crystal Chism

President Ollie Gilstrap & Adult Honorees

Occasion by Past Pres. Marion Hill-Hubbard

Miles Johnson, Youth Club President

Invocation by Rev. Virzola Law

Greeting by South Central District Gov. Dr. Terri Ford

Pres. Preston Gilstrap & Club Ombudsmen

The Honorable Toni Rose, Sojourner Truth Award Recipient

Trailblazer Chair Dr. Loren Gilbert-Smith, Pres. Gilstrap, Co-chair Candy Bradshaw

Pres. Gilstrap with Granddaughters and Friends

1st VP Dr. Lavern Holyfield, Pres. Gilstrap, 2nd VP Katrinia Roberson

Pres. Gilstrap & Kimball High School Color Guard

President Ollie Gilstrap & Ombudsman Preston Gilstrap DeSoto High School Dance Team

Kathryn Mitchell, 101 Year-Old Club Member

Pres. Ollie Gilstrap & Executive Board

Pres. Ollie Gilstrap & Scholarship Recipients

A Mean Green Celebration

UNT's Celebrate Mayborn 2023 shows students the mission and money

By Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle &

Editor

It was a grand evening of honor April 20, 2023 in the Student Union as the University of North Texas Mayborn School of Journalism recognized scholarship recipients and the twotime, national award-winning National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) student chapter, UNT-ABJ. The school not only received 2003 and 2023 honors from NABJ, however was recognized each time as the university's student organization of the year. Presidents of the award-winning chapters, Tiesa Leggett (2003) and Olivia

Thompson (2023), addressed the audience with fond memories and the purpose of NABJ.

Over $250,000 in scholarships was awarded, honor society recipients were recognized,

as well as celebrating longtime Mayborn School of Journalism staff member, Cathy Turner, upon retirement after 17 years of service.

The keynote speaker for the

evening was NBC News correspondent Priscilla Thompson who shared her journey and the importance of "chasing opportunities and not titles."

Mayborn School professor

Larry Powell served as emcee of the event that also included a video message from MSNBC anchor José Díaz-Balart who was interviewed by the university's National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) student chapter president Andrea Valdez.

The Celebrate Mayborn 2023 event concluded with a cake reception immediately following the honor ceremonies.

Culture

UNT-NABJ past and present group photo

2023 UNT-NABJ chapter president Olivia Thompson

Former UNT Mayborn School professors Meta Carstarphen and Jacque Lambiase

UNT Mayborn School retiring staff member Cathy Turner recognized for 17 years of service addresses audience

NABJ reception prior to Celebrate Mayborn event

Photos: Eva D. Coleman

MAY 6, 2023 GENERAL ELECTION CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES COUNCIL DISTRICTS / BALLOT ORDER

2 Priscilla ShackleP

2 Amanda Schulz

3 Paul E. Ridley

Jabari and Angel Jones Wedding Anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. Welton 7 years

Tamika and Gary Baker Sr. 19 Years

Jonathan Owen and Simone Biles Just Married

Mr. and Mrs. Albert 18 years

Christion and Melissa Draper 1 year

Corey and Angela Poole 28 years

Jacquie and Roland Martin 22 years

Prezel and Janice McCullough 34 years

Mr. and Mrs. Dunn 29 years

Mr. and Mrs. Huff 4 years

Tabitha and Chance Brown 20 years

Tammy and Derrick Moore 26 years

David and Tamala Mann 35 years

Mr. and Mrs. Jones Just Married

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January

Healthy Living EXPO

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Cervical Cancer Awareness

Birth Defect Prevention/Screening

Blood Donor

Glaucoma Awareness

Healthy Weight

February

Mardi Gras

Black History Month

Children’s Dental Health

Heart Health

Burn Awareness

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia care

Eating disorders Awareness

March

Women’s History Month

Black Press Week

Brain Injury Awareness

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Kidney Month

Nutrition Month

LGBT Health Awareness Week

Doctors’ Day

Tuberculosis

Major League Baseball

April

Election Guide

National Financial Literacy Month

Community Banking Month

Alcohol Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month

Donate Life Month

Foot Health Awareness

Humor Month - Black/Brown comics

Religion - Easter

STI Awareness

Public Health Week

Eye Health and Safety

Infant Immunization

May

Cinco de Mayo

Class of 2023

Mother’s Day

National Small Business Month

ALS Awareness

Bike Month

Better Sleep Month

Healthy Vision Month

High Blood Pressure Education Month

Lupus Month

Skin Cancer Awareness

Mental Health Month

Older Americans Month

Stroke Awareness Month

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

Asthma Day - May 1

Food Allergy Awareness

June

Black Music Month

Juneteenth

Father’s Day/Men’s Health Month

Women Veterans Day

PTSD Awareness

Cancer Survivors Day - June 2

Blood Donor Day - 14th

July

Minority Mental Health

The Black Church

UV Safety

Hepatitis Day - July 28

am the

messenger am the

Metro Community Calendar

13

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce

Business Mix & Mingle 5:30-8:30pm Register at dallasblackchamber.org

29

The Nu Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at Southern Methodist University (SMU) is hosting its second annual Delta Walk: “Steps for Autism” from 10:00am to 1:00pm at SMU, 6150 Bishop Ave., Dallas. This walk is dedicated to raising awareness for people experiencing Autism in the Black community. If you are interested in participating in the walk, please register at https:// secure.qgiv.com/event/2023stepsforautismwalk/ Team: Nu Iota.

30

Denton County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s 24th Annual Women’s Symposium, “I’m Not your SUPERWOMAN…

Taking off the Cape.” Embassy Suites, 3100 Town Center Trail, Denton. Starts at 2 p.m.

powered by

JUNE 4

DR. LAMMAN RUCKER TO PROVIDE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT JARVIS COMMENCEMENT

Actor and philanthropist Dr. Lamman Rucker, began his career on the daytime soap operas “All My Children” and “As the World Turns” before roles in Tyler Perry’s films, “Why Did I get Married” and “Why Did I Get Married Too?”

Rucker also starred as Jacob Greenleaf in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series, “Greenleaf.” He currently stars in the BET+ drama titled “The Black Hamptons.”

14 Happy Mother’s Day 20

11th annual Tux and Chucks Gala, a charity fundraiser event in support of Fit and Faithful Living’s mission of inspiring hope, vision, and possibilities for youth and families. This year’s event promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family, featuring guest speakers Olympians Michael Carter and Michelle Carter, who will share their personal journey and insights on the importance of mental health in families and achieving goals.

6pm - 9pm at The Highland Dallas Hotel. In addition to the guest speakers, the event will include awards, live performances, dinner, silent auction,

Black Music Month

Saluting Fathers CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH

Ivy & Pearl Foundation of Dallas, in collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Alpha Xi Omega Chapter’s 2nd Annual Top Golf Tournament Scholarship Fundraiser 2:00 pm at TopGolf in Dallas, TX.

18

Have a great Father’s Day with City Men Cook - Stay tuned for information.

HYPE w/Cheryl Smith

Weekday mornings on FaceBook

Bringing you hype you can believe!

GET READY to GET REAL

The Real Deal w/ The Reality Coach on BlogTalkRadio.com 11 am.- noon CST. and FaceBook, Mondays. Join the call 646-200-0459 on Cheryl’s World.

The World According to Drew on BlogTalkRadio.com 8 am.-10 am. CST. Sundays Tune in for thought-provoking, enlightening, informative, and entertaining news and commentary. Join Andrew Whigham on the call 646-200-0459

editor@texasmetronews.com or call 214-941-0110

Miss Jabberwock Scholarship Pageant DoubleTree Campbell Centre, 8250 N

Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75206 Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc at 5 pm

Juanita J. Craft Open House 4500 Spring Ave, Dallas, TX 75210 at 10:00 AM

1150 South Freeway, Fort Worth

Innovative Podcast opens International Doors for Entertainers and Entrepreneurs

By Sylvia Dunnavant Hines Texas Metro News Correspondent

unlikely combination, paralegal, Bella Washington DuPlexis and hip-hop artist John Bouka Baptiste are combing their efforts to create an innovative podcast targeting the entertainment industry.

Congo-Brazzaville and resides in South Africa, and performs as a rapper under the name of Albooby. Although the two are over 9,000 miles apart, they have come together to produce their weekly podcast, Coming Right at You with Al booby Show, which can be streamed on YouTube.

my friend, Mark Ayers Jr., who is a gospel artist released a new song. I thought the song was phenomenal, and I wanted the world to hear it. I made a clip and post ed it on my personal Facebook page,,” said DuPlexis. “Then something mirac ulous happened. I continued to push the record with a Facebook live posting. After my postings, I began to get friend requests from around the world. In a few days my followers on Facebook went from around 1,000 to 5,000 people.”

she joined forces with Baptiste who

ditionally have that type of access.

As they are completing their third season they have had as many as 40,000 viewers for one episode. One of their seasons is equivalent to 10 episodes.

Their increased viewership has landed them national sponsorship with major companies which includes Frito Lay, Coca-Cola, and Chanel.

“Due to our large audience, we have a great opportunity to impact the careers of the artists that come on our show. We had two artists on our podcast Adrienne LaShe and Lashae Love, who were both nominated for independent artist of the year for the BET Music Awards,” said DuPlexis. “For us this was a huge success story because these artists did not have a large audience prior to being on

As their audience increases, DuPlexis said they are expanding their concept to include celebrity guests like Martin Emerson, a cornerback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League.

“As artists our platform is to help and support people in different ways by giving them global exposure. We are becoming a change agent in the industry. Once people have done one interview, they want to do a second interview,” said

Study looks at depression and causes

By Ayesha Hana Shaji Texas Metro News Team

A new study by Cleary et al., Polygenic Risk and Social Support in Predicting Depression Under Stress, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry sheds light on the complex concession between nature and nurture in relation to the risk of depression.

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to focus on the impact of stress and ways to manage it.

The study suggests that individuals with a high genetic risk for depression may be more sensitive to changes in their social environment, both positive and negative.

By using two groups of people who experienced significant life stress, 1,011 first-year medical interns and 435 recently widowed individuals, researchers assessed their depressive symptoms and social support levels before and after the stressor. They also calculated their polygenic risk scores (PRS) for major depressive disorder.

The results showed that those with a high PRS for depression were more likely

to experience increased depressive symptoms in response to changes in their social support.

Depressive symptom scores increased by 126% after the start of internship in the interns and by 34% after widowing for the recent widows.

However, the study also found that individuals with a high genetic risk for depression may benefit more from nurturing social environments. This suggests that social support may be an important protective factor for those who are at risk for depression.

As Stress Awareness Month is observed it is crucial to recognize the impact of stress on mental health and take steps to manage it, including building strong social support networks. The study shows the importance of not only social support, but also considering genetic factors as well when assessing depression risk and choosing interventions.

The role of sex in combating obesity

By Ayesha Hana Shaji Texas Metro News Team

Obesity is a major public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity-related conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death in the U.S.

In a recent study done by University of California, Los Angeles Health Sciences researchers, Bhatt et al., published in the journal Brain Communications, found that there are differences in the brain’s networks based on sex, associated with early life adversity, mental health quality and sensory stimulation, which may help tailor obesity interventions.

Using 183 participants, 78 who had a body mass index (BMI) categorized as obese and 105 non-obese BMI participants, the researchers investigated how

multimodal MRI and clinical features predict sex-specific brain signatures.

The findings revealed significant clinical implications, suggesting the need for tailored obesity interventions based on sex; including focusing on emotional regulation techniques and vulnerability factors while designing treatments for women with high BMI.

The study also identified brain regions and networks with alterations associated with early life trauma, which appears consistent with previous observations that females with obesity may have greater anxiety, lower resilience, and difficulty integrating emotions with action-directed goal planning.

The authors note that while the study identifies associations, more research is needed to determine cause and effect.

Ayesha Hana Shaji is a 2022 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, where she was on The Shorthorn staff.

Ayesha Hana Shaji is a 2022 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, where she was on The Shorthorn staff.

Searching for youth ages 12-18 for an outstanding opportunity to join a great organization!

NCNW has some exciting events and opportunities to offer our youth. Planned activities include, but are not limited to:

• Job Fairs

• Social Outings

• Scholarship Awards

• Youth Global Initiative

• Community Health Fair

• College Fairs/Expos & Tours

• Volunteer Opportunities & more!

For more information, please contact NCNW 3rd Vice President LaKendra McAfee Email: tmhvpres3@gmail.com/Phone: 469-404-7235

Dallas and Fort Worth Ranked 18th in Nation for Ozone Pollution; Report Reveals Nationwide Disparities for People of Color

The Dallas-Fort Worth area was named one of the top 25 worst cities in the nation for ozone pollution, according to the American Lung Association’s 2023 “State of the Air” report, which was released today. Nationally, the report found that nearly 120 million people, or more than one in three, in the U.S. live in counties that had unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.

The Lung Association’s 24th annual “State of the Air” report grades Americans’ exposure to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone air pollution, annual particle pollution and shortterm spikes in particle pollution over a three-year period. This year’s report covers 20192021.

“As we can see from this year’s report data, there is much work to be done in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to improve our air quality,” said Charlie Gagen, Advocacy Director for the Lung Association. “Even one poor air quality day is one too many for our residents at highest risk, such as children, older adults, pregnant people and those living with chronic disease. That’s why we are calling on lawmakers at the local, state and federal levels to take action to ensure that everyone has clean air to breathe.”

Nationally, the report found that ozone pollution has generally improved across the nation, thanks in large part to the success of the Clean Air Act. However, more work remains to fully clean up harmful pollution, and short-term particle pollution continues to get worse. In addition, some communities bear a greater burden of air pollution. Out of the

nearly 120 million people who live in areas with unhealthy air quality, a disproportionate number – more than 64 million (54%) – are people of color. In fact, people of color were 64% more likely than white people to live in a county with a failing grade for at least one measure,

luted city for ozone pollution, which is better compared to its ranking of 16th in last year’s report. Tarrant and Dallas Counties received “F” grades for ozone pollution.

Particle Pollution in DFW

The report also tracked

The 2023 “State of the Air” found that year-round particle pollution levels in Dallas-Fort Worth were slightly higher than in last year’s report. Despite the increase, the area was ranked 55th most polluted for year-round particle pollution, better than the

American Lung Association 2023 “State of the Air” report highlights air quality in Dallas-Fort Worth and across the nation

and 3.7 times as likely to live in a county with a failing grade for all three measures.

Ground-level Ozone Pollution in DFW

Compared to the 2022 report, the Dallas-Fort Worth area experienced fewer unhealthy days of high ozone in this year’s report. “State of the Air” ranked Dallas-Fort Worth as the 18th most pol-

short-term spikes in particle pollution, which can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. Dallas-Fort Worth’s short-term particle pollution improved in this year’s report, which means there were fewer unhealthy days. The area is ranked 100th worst for short-term particle pollution. Dallas and Tarrant Counties received “B” grades for shortterm particle pollution.

ranking of 48th last year).

The American Lung Association is calling on President Biden to urgently move forward on several measures to clean up air pollution nationwide, including new pollution limits on ozone and particle pollution and new measures to clean up power plants and vehicles. See the full report results and sign the petition at Lung.org/SOTA.